Biomimetic Drones and Fear as a Sustainable Method of Pest Control

Kowat addresses the problem of bird pests using an ecological approach based on the use of stress and fear, which it produces with drones that imitate specific birds of prey. The drones automatically fly around the areas to be protected, scaring off unwanted types of birds. Kowat aims to support a wide range of applications in areas where birds cause problems, from improving crop yields to making aviation more secure. With proper global use, it can help improve food production (especially in developing countries), reduce chemical use, and increase security. Avian pests cause losses of 15-25% in crops and fish farms, and they can carry pathogens that cause pandemics among humans and other animals. The innovation behind Kowat applies scientific knowledge of how birds of prey behave to specially adapted drones. This approach facilitates remarkably effective pest control (60-90%). Based on GNSS, the autopilot allows for safe, aggressive, and precise simulated attack flights without the need for highly skilled drone pilots – even under difficult conditions. This seemingly simple idea is currently protected by patents and is subject to no limiting regulations on its commercial exploitation.